To build a resilient world, we must go circular. Here's how to do it

The document advocates for a shift from a linear 'take, make, waste' economic model to a circular economy to mitigate climate risks and economic shocks. It asserts that this transition could address 45% of global greenhouse gas emissions and unlock a $4.5 trillion economic opportunity. To achieve this, the authors recommend focusing recovery stimulus on green investment, establishing policy frameworks such as carbon pricing and plastic bans, pioneering circular business models, and innovating with technologies that extend product lifecycles and reduce energy consumption.

• The current linear economic model, characterized by the continuous extraction and misuse of natural resources, creates environmental vulnerability and exposes the global economy to shocks, as evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 100 billion tons of resources enter the economy annually, most of which are lost as emissions or waste.
• Transitioning to a circular economy—which focuses on regenerating natural systems, keeping materials in use, and designing out pollution—could mitigate 45% of global greenhouse gas emissions and generate a $4.5 trillion economic opportunity through increased efficiency and new employment.
• The authors recommend four strategic priorities for businesses and policymakers: directing recovery stimulus toward green and circular investments (such as the EU's proposed €750 billion package), implementing policy frameworks including carbon pricing and bans on single-use plastics, adopting circular business models like sharing platforms and product take-back schemes, and investing in technologies that reduce energy consumption and waste.

APA

van Houten, N. I. F. (2020). To build a resilient world, we must go circular. Here's how to do it. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/circular-economy/to-build-resilience-to-future-pandemics-and-climate-change-we-must-go-circular/

Chicago

van Houten, Naoko Ishii, Frans. To build a resilient world, we must go circular. Here's how to do it. World Economic Forum, 2020. https://www.weforum.org/stories/circular-economy/to-build-resilience-to-future-pandemics-and-climate-change-we-must-go-circular/.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=van Houten |first1=Naoko Ishii, Frans |title=To build a resilient world, we must go circular. Here's how to do it |publisher=World Economic Forum |date=6 July 2020 |url=https://www.weforum.org/stories/circular-economy/to-build-resilience-to-future-pandemics-and-climate-change-we-must-go-circular/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{vanhouten2020build, author = {van Houten, Naoko Ishii, Frans}, title = {{To build a resilient world, we must go circular. Here's how to do it}}, publisher = {World Economic Forum}, year = {2020}, month = jul, url = {https://www.weforum.org/stories/circular-economy/to-build-resilience-to-future-pandemics-and-climate-change-we-must-go-circular/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }